ou’ve finally gotten accepted into your dream U.S. university. You’re excited, hopeful—and maybe a little overwhelmed. Then reality hits: the cost. It’s not just tuition. It’s housing, books, food, health insurance, and more. You start hearing about FAFSA, and you wonder…
Can international students apply for FAFSA?
What Is FAFSA and Why Does Everyone Talk About It?
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the form most U.S. students use to apply for government-backed help like:
- Federal grants (free money!)
- Low-interest student loans
- Work-study programs
- Some scholarships
Each year, the U.S. government gives out over $150 billion in aid through FAFSA. So it’s a big deal. But here’s the catch…
Are International Students Eligible for FAFSA?
The short answer? In most cases—no.
The FAFSA is designed for U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens.
Who Can Apply for FAFSA?
To qualify, you must fall into one of these categories:
- U.S. citizen or U.S. national (including American Samoa or Swains Island)
- U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- Refugee or asylee
- Victim of human trafficking with a T-visa
- “Battered immigrant” protected under the Violence Against Women Act
- Certain parolee or entrant statuses
- Citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau (limited aid)
You’ll also need a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to create your FAFSA ID and apply.
If you’re not in one of these groups, you can’t apply for federal aid through FAFSA.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Why Should You Still Fill Out the FAFSA (or Similar Forms)?
Even if you’re not eligible for federal aid, many U.S. colleges and universities still ask international students to submit a FAFSA—or similar financial information—to qualify for:
- Institutional scholarships
- Merit-based or need-based grants
- State-level programs (rare, but possible)
- Work-study opportunities
Filling out the FAFSA (or the CSS Profile—more on that soon) can open doors to aid directly from your school.
FAFSA Application Process for Eligible Non-Citizens
If you are eligible as a non-citizen, here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Create an FSA ID
Go to studentaid.gov and create your account. You’ll need your SSN and immigration details.
Step 2: Gather Documents
You’ll need your passport, visa, Green Card (if applicable), tax info, and more.
Step 3: Apply Online
The FAFSA opens on December 31 each year and closes on June 30. Apply early—many grants are first-come, first-served.
Step 4: Reapply Annually
You’ll need to submit a new FAFSA each academic year you attend school in the U.S.
FAFSA Isn’t an Option? Here’s What You Can Do Instead
If you’re not eligible for FAFSA, don’t panic. Here are smart steps to take next:
1. Apply for School-Specific Aid
Many top universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and NYU offer generous aid packages for international students. Some even meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Check each school’s financial aid website for requirements. Some may ask for:
- CSS Profile (more below)
- Their own financial aid forms
- Proof of your family’s income
2. Submit the CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is an application run by College Board that many universities use to award non-federal aid. It’s open to international students.
| FAFSA vs. CSS Profile | FAFSA | CSS Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Apply | U.S. citizens & eligible non-citizens | U.S. & international students |
| Cost | Free | ~$25 for first school |
| Aid Type | Federal grants/loans/work-study | Institutional aid |
| Availability | Most U.S. schools | ~400+ U.S. colleges |
3. Search for Scholarships
Look beyond your school. Many organizations offer scholarships to international students. Try:
- EducationUSA
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
- IEFA.org (search tool)
- Next Genius (India-specific)
Tip: Don’t just go for the big names. Smaller awards can add up fast.
4. Look Into On-Campus Jobs
If you’re on an F-1 visa, you can usually work up to 20 hours/week on campus. It won’t cover everything, but it helps—and builds experience, too.
FAQ: FAFSA & Financial Aid for International Students
1. I’m on an F-1 or J-1 visa. Can I apply for FAFSA?
No. These visas don’t qualify you for federal aid through FAFSA.
2. What if I don’t have a Social Security Number?
You can’t complete the FAFSA without a valid SSN. However, some schools may accept other financial forms.
3. Will my school still help me if I can’t do FAFSA?
Yes! Many schools offer need-based or merit-based scholarships outside of FAFSA. Always ask.
4. Is it worth applying to U.S. schools if I don’t qualify for FAFSA?
Absolutely. Many international students receive aid through school programs and private scholarships.
5. How do I find scholarships I qualify for?
Start with your school. Then explore international databases like EducationUSA, IEFA.org, or scholarship portals in your home country.